2012 jaguar xj-series Model Overview

The current-generation Jaguar XJ entered the market last year as a radical departure from previous XJs. With Jaguar’s lead designer Ian Callum at the helm, the new 2012 XJ commands road presence with a sleek and modern shape adored with LED lighting, chrome, and blacked-out C-pillars.

Not surprisingly, changes for the 2012 Jaguar are minor and include added interior trim choices. The XJ is still offered in normal and long wheelbase models with trim levels that include a XJ base, XJL Portfolio, Supercharged, and Supersport. Jaguar’s flagship sedan comes standard with leather seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, Jaguar’s Smart Key System, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, and a blind spot monitor.

The XJ is available with three engines, the first being a 5.0-liter, direct-injection V-8 rated at 385 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Supercharged models get a 5.0-liter, supercharged V-8 rated at 470 hp and 424 lb-ft, while the Supersport gets the same engine tuned to 510 hp and 461 lb-ft.

This year marks the second model year for the current-gen XJ so changes are very minor. Jaguar is offering more leather, wood, and metallic choices, which allows customer to further personalize their XJ. A new Rear Comfort Pack allows electric adjustment of rear seat backrests, an electric rear sunblind, and upgraded surfaces. Finally, the Illumination Package, which has always been standard on the Supersport model, is now available on other trims.

Jaguar’s lead designer Ian Callum penned a number of drastic features for the current-gen XJ. The front fascia is punctuated by sleek headlights that are much more modern than the traditional round units found on past XJs. The profile features a high beltline with a chrome accent on the front fender. The back features a blacked-out C-pillar, giving the illusion of a wraparound rear window.

The Jaguar XJ maintains its flagship status with a long list of creature comforts including dual climate control, an analog clock, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and voice control. Opting for the long wheelbase model adds even more luxury including a folding tray for laptops, reclining back rests, and an available rear entertainment system with dual 8-inch screens.

We last tested a 2011 Jaguar XJ base model, which is equipped with the 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 rated at 385 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The luxury sedan needed 4.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph and 26.3 seconds to complete MT’s figure eight. For those who want even more speed, the supercharged model puts out 470 hp and 424 lb-ft, while the Supersport is tuned to produce 510 hp and 461 lb-ft. Thanks to the XJ’s aluminum body construction, the XJ’s relatively light curb weight makes it surprisingly nimble on curving roads.

Jaguar’s latest safety features are all standard in the XJ and include an anti-whiplash system that moves the headrest forward, emergency brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, anti-lock brakes, blind spot monitor, dynamic stability control, and understeer control logic. Also standard are front, side, and curtain airbags. An adaptive cruise control is optional and includes a Forward Alert system for impending front-end collisions.

2012 Jaguar XJ-Series News and Reviews

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